CN103955333B - A kind of apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method comprising at least one processor configured to: cause an icon associated with an application to be displayed on a proximity screen; User proximity input to the proximity screen, enabling the user to determine the status, functionality or usage of the application without opening the application.

Description

A device and method

This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application number 200880022288.5 and the invention title "Unlocking Touch Screen Device" submitted on June 25, 2008.

technical field

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to user interfaces, and more specifically, to transitions from an idle/locked state of a device to an active/unlocked state of the device.

Background technique

Mobile devices (eg, mobile communication devices) generally include a variety of applications including, for example, Internet communications, instant messaging capabilities, email facilities, Web browsing, and searching. To avoid inadvertent activation of applications on the device, the device typically includes a lock mode in which certain information is displayed, however, any user input to the device in the idle state is ignored unless the device is unlocked. Typically, unlocking a device may require manipulation of, for example, one or more keys of the device, a fingerprint sensor, key combinations and numeric codes. In most cases, when the device is unlocked, the user interface presented is predetermined by the device. Given that such devices have various applications and application layers available, it would be advantageous to be able to easily unlock the device and move directly to the desired user interface or application.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a method. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a touch screen device or a proximity screen device in an idle mode. A displayed sector or area of the screen of the device in idle mode is touched or activated and moved and expanded to reveal at least one application icon associated with the active/unlocked state of the device. The term "idle mode" generally refers to a reduced active area that can be manipulated in limited ways, such as through an unlock gesture or interaction as described herein. When an icon is moved or dragged to the edge of the device, the device changes state to active/unlocked mode and opens in the user element set or application associated with the presented application icon.

In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a user interface. In one embodiment, the user interface has at least one area that is inactive in the locked mode of the device, and an active area that is on top of or contrasts with the at least one inactive area. The active area is configured to be moved and expanded to reveal the at least one area that is inactive in the locked mode. Upon moving the active area towards an edge of the display of the user interface, the state of the device may transition from an idle/locked state to an active/unlocked state. The user interface opens to a set of user elements corresponding to the applications presented by the expanded active area.

In yet another aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a computer program product and apparatus.

The present invention provides a device comprising at least one processor configured to:

cause an icon associated with the application to be displayed on the proximity screen; and

Responsive to receiving a user proximity input at the icon approaching, but not touching, the proximity screen, enabling a user to determine a status, function, or usage of the application without opening the application.

The invention provides a method comprising:

cause an icon associated with the application to be displayed on the proximity screen; and

Responsive to receiving a user proximity input at the icon approaching, but not touching, the proximity screen, enabling a user to determine a status, function, or usage of the application without opening the application.

The present invention also provides a kind of equipment, this equipment comprises:

means for causing an icon associated with the application to be displayed on the proximity screen; and

means for enabling a user to determine a status, function, or usage of the application without opening the application in response to receiving a user proximity input at the icon approaching but not touching the proximity screen.

Description of drawings

The above aspects and other features of the embodiments are illustrated in the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system in which aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be applied;

2A-2D illustrate exemplary screenshots of user interfaces of disclosed embodiments;

Figure 3 shows an exemplary screenshot of one aspect of the user interface of the disclosed embodiments;

4A-4B illustrate examples of devices that may be used to practice aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating features that may be used to practice aspects of the disclosed embodiments; and

Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the general architecture of the exemplary local system of Figures 4A-4B.

Detailed ways

Referring to FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a system 100 that may be used to practice aspects of the present invention is shown. Although aspects of the invention are described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings and described below, it should be understood that these aspects may be embodied in many alternative embodiment forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

The disclosed embodiments generally allow a user of a device or system (eg, system 100 shown in FIG. 1 ) to intuitively unlock or partially unlock or enable a touchscreen device. The system or device 100 can be transitioned from an idle and locked state to an on state by moving or dragging an icon on the device screen. When an icon is dragged, the icon may display one or more active areas below the icon. The user moves or drags the icon to or near the desired active area, and towards or close to an unlocked area of the display, such as an edge area of the display. In alternative embodiments, any suitable area within the display area may be used as the unlocking area. For exemplary purposes, an edge area of the display area will be used here to describe the unlock area. When the icon reaches the boundary, the device is unlocked from the idle and locked state into the user interface or application of the active area presented.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , the system 100 of FIG. 1 may include an input device 104 , an output device 106 , a navigation module 122 , an application area 180 and a storage/storage device 182 . The components described here are exemplary only, and are not intended to encompass all components that may be included in system 100 . For example, in one embodiment, system 100 includes a mobile communication device or other such Internet and application enabled device. Thus, in alternative embodiments, system 100 may include other suitable devices and applications for monitoring application content and activity levels in such devices. Although the input device 104 and the output device 106 are shown as separate devices in one embodiment, the input device 104 and the output device 106 may be part of the user interface 102 and form the user interface 102 . The user interface 102 can be used to display application and component information to the user, and allow the user to obtain application content and application activity data. In one embodiment, the user interface of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented on or in a device including a touch screen display or proximity screen device. In alternative embodiments, aspects of the user interface disclosed herein may be embodied on any suitable device that will display information and allow selection and activation of applications. Generally, the terms "select," "move," "drag," "contact," and "touch" are described herein with respect to touch screen displays. However, in alternative embodiments, the terms are intended to encompass required user actions in relation to other input devices. For example, it is not necessary for a user to make direct contact to select, move or drag objects or other information relative to a proximity screen device. Accordingly, the above terms are intended to encompass that a user need only be within proximity of the device to perform the desired function. For example, the term "contact" when used in the context of a proximity screen device does not imply direct contact, but rather a proximity or near contact that activates the proximity device.

Similarly, the range of contemplated devices is not limited to single touch or contact devices. The multi-touch device can navigate on and about the screen under contact by one or more fingers or other pointing devices.

Figure 2A shows one embodiment of a screenshot of a user interface 201 incorporating features of the disclosed embodiments. Screen or user interface 200 of FIG. 2A illustrates a locked or idle mode of device 100 of FIG. 1 . In this example, there are two icons 202 and 204, which appear in a relatively dimmed or less prominent mode. Icons 202 and 204 represent applications present or available in device 100, respectively. In alternative embodiments, any number of icons may be displayed in a dimmed state when device 100 is in a locked or idle mode. In one embodiment, different application areas may have different degrees of "dullness" or shading. For example, most or more used applications may appear brighter or less dim or shadowed than infrequently used applications. In alternative embodiments, any suitable mechanism may be used to provide varying and varying degrees of highlighting to different application regions based on different rules.

For example, different types of applications may be represented by different colors or shapes. In one embodiment, if a user places a finger on or touches an application area 202, 204, a frame 203 surrounding the application area may appear in a color, pattern or shape representing the type of application. For example, the Messages app could be one color, while the Settings app could be a different color. This may provide the advantage that the user is able to visualize the area being selected. Thus, for example, if the regions are close to each other, the user can conveniently see which region is selected.

Although application areas 202 and 204 are described as being in a "dim" mode, in alternative embodiments, applications that are not activatable in locked or idle modes may be represented, highlighted, or de-emphasized in any suitable manner. For example, a line or other image may be displayed across icons 202 and 204 . The user can know that when viewing the display, the application is available in the device but locked, and would be accessible if the device was unlocked or active.

In one embodiment, the illumination or highlighting of application areas 202, 204 may have several different degrees depending on how "active" a particular application area is. For example, when the screen 201 is in a locked or inactive state, the illumination or highlight may be set to be reduced or dimmed by 70% (30% illumination level) from the standard mode setting. Applications that do not become active or are fully active when selected may be displayed at a 60% illumination level (eg a clock that may be temporarily illuminated). For applications that can become fully active, the illumination level can be 90% of normal (10% dim). In alternative embodiments, any suitable lighting or dimming settings may be used.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2A , an unlock icon or object 206 is provided. Icons 206 typically include movable objects that can be used to select and highlight different areas or areas on the screen. Although the icon 206 is shown as a square, in alternative embodiments any suitable shape or image may be used. In one embodiment, icon 206 may be highlighted in a manner that contrasts with icons 202 , 204 and the rest of display 200 . Icon 206 should be easily identifiable for its function when device 100 is in idle and locked modes. In one embodiment, the icon 206 may be at least initially located in a central position of the display 200, as shown in FIG. 2A. In an alternative embodiment, the icon 206 may move around the screen, eg, like a screen saver, in idle and locked modes.

The icons shown in Figure 2A are selectable and active in the idle/lock mode of the device. In one embodiment, to transition the state of device 100 from idle/locked mode to active/unlocked mode, icon 206 is touched and dragged towards the edge of display 200 . Dragging of icon 206 may be performed in any suitable manner, such as by touching the icon with a finger and moving the finger toward an edge. In alternative embodiments, any suitable pointing device may be used. Similarly, in proximity screen devices, related actions can be performed without direct contact.

Unlocking of the device from inactive to active mode may also require an additional confirmation step. In one embodiment, after the user has moved the icon 206 to the unlocked area, the user may require one or more additional actions to change the state of the device. For example, move the icon 206 to the unlocked area. The user releases icon 206 and performs another action to confirm unlocking. In one embodiment, this other action may be a tap on icon 206 , or a long press on icon 206 . In an alternative embodiment, a secondary key on the device may be enabled as an "unlock" key and needs to be selected to confirm the unlock request.

Although unlocking of the device is described herein with respect to use of icon 206, in alternative embodiments, any suitable mechanism may be used to unlock the device, or transition the device or an application of the device from an inactive mode to an active mode. Thus, in one embodiment, a user may draw, draw or draw, for example, a certain pattern on the screen of the device, which is recognized as an unlock command. The pattern may include, for example, any suitable image, movement or text. In this embodiment, all applications can be made active and available when the pattern is recognized.

In one embodiment, icon 206 may also be configured and used to generate a new set of available applications for the device. For example, when icon 206 is at a certain location (eg, the center of the screen), pressing for a predetermined duration may cause a new set of available applications to be displayed. This may be advantageous in devices that have limited screen area and cannot display all available applications at the same time. By selecting the icon 206 in a certain manner, different application layers can be displayed at different times for a predetermined period of time. In alternative embodiments, the different application layers may be accessed in any suitable manner. For example, a user may access layer A by moving a finger or icon 206 to the upper left corner of screen 200 . Layer B can be accessed by moving a finger or icon 206 to the upper right corner. Each corner of the screen area, or other suitable area, may represent a different layer.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2B , when an icon 206 is contacted or touched, the icon 206 may be highlighted in a particular manner to indicate that it has been selected. For example, when the background area 201 of the display 200 is dark or dark in idle/lock mode, the icons 206 may be highlighted in a contrasting color or hue (eg, white). This makes it easier to see icons 202 and 204 below icon 206, such as shown in FIG. 2B. In alternative embodiments, contact with icon 206 may be recognized by any suitable visual feedback, and may also include audible or tactile feedback.

As shown in FIG. 2B , in one embodiment, when the icon 206 of FIG. 2A is selected, the size of the icon can be expanded, as shown by icon 210 . The icons 210 may expand, inflate, or open up to present the icons 202, 204 and user interface of the active idle state. Although items 202 and 204 are described as icons, in alternative embodiments these could be text or objects other than icons. Icons 210 may generally be configured to track the movement of a user's finger adjacent to or touching the icon, and turn on accordingly to reveal a larger active area underneath, and perhaps a different set of user interface elements. In one embodiment, if the user presses or holds a finger in a predetermined location for a certain period of time, the icon may turn on to reveal the active area underneath. The longer the user holds the finger in the same position, the larger the active area size becomes. This makes it easier to access applications, and to visualize the different application symbols in the active area. As shown in FIG. 2B, if the user moves or expands icon 210 towards the top of the display, icon 202 may be more visible. Icon 204 becomes more visible if the icon is moved or expanded towards the bottom of the display. In alternative embodiments where there are more icons associated with the active idle state, those icons will become apparent when the icon 210 is moved or expanded in that direction. For example, icons 202, 204 may be sized appropriately to allow more such icons to appear on the display. Such icons may appear left/right, above/below, in a circle at a distance from the center of the display, or in a diagonal direction extending from the center area of the display. When the icon 210 is moved or expanded in any of these directions or orientations, the icon will become apparent to the user (relative to its dimmed state in the device's idle/lock mode). Icons can be expanded to any suitable size and orientation, and can be dragged into or across one or more regions or ranges. The central square area 206 (reduced active area) expands in all directions towards the extent (edge) of the display area relative to a common center point (middle of the display area). This is synonymous with the action of "inflating".

Each area or area on the display of device 200 in idle/lock mode may have a different purpose and display a different set of user interface elements that remain inactive and In lock mode. The expansion and/or inflation of icon 206 may be suitably configured to cover one area at a time (if so desired). Alternatively, icons 206 may be configured to encompass any suitable number of areas on display 200 .

The icon 206 does not have to cover the entire application area 202, 204 for the application area to be selected. In one embodiment, a display object is selected once the icon 206 covers a predetermined percentage of the area of the display object 202, 204. This percentage can be any desired percentage. This can be identified by some kind of highlighting of the object, such as a box around the object. The recognition could also be in the form of some visual, audio or tactile mechanism.

In one embodiment, the user drags or moves the icon 206 to the unlock area of the display to unlock the device from the inactive state and illuminate all applications in the active area. Once all applications are illuminated, the user can move or drag the icon 206 or the user's finger to or near the desired application. In one embodiment, the user may have to confirm the selection in order to launch the application.

In one embodiment, the shape of icons 206 may be appropriately configured relative to the number of icons (eg, 202 and 204 ) presented on display 200 . As shown in FIG. 2B , the icon 210 is substantially square in shape. In alternative embodiments, any suitable geometric shape may be used including, for example, rectangular, circular, triangular, or conical. In one embodiment, the shape of icon 210 may act as a point in a central area of display 200 as it expands, and may extend and expand outward toward desired edges of display 200 . The width of the icon 210 can expand to encompass and reveal applications and elements in the path of movement of the icon 210 . An example of this is shown with respect to Figure 2D. Here, when the icon 230 is moved and dragged, its shape or area expands outward in a cone shape from the origin, similar to a beam of light 232 from a flashlight. The area of cone 232 reveals application 234 , and when it reaches edge 236 of display area 238 , the device unlocks and launches application 234 . In one embodiment, again, the user may be required to confirm the unlock operation with another action.

When the user has moved or expanded the size of the icon 210 to encompass the set and desired area of the user interface element or application, the user may choose to unlock the device. This may include: reaching an unlocked area (such as the edge of the display area), long press, double tap or tap on the screen, or holding and releasing for a predetermined period of time. In alternative embodiments, any suitable mechanism may be used to unlock the device from the inactive state after highlighting or selecting an area. When the device is unlocked and the state transitions to active mode, the user interface elements 222, 224 associated with the selected icon (in this example, icon 204) are displayed, as shown in Figure 2C. Display 220 in FIG. 2C may represent an active idle mode or state. In one embodiment, an active idle mode refers to an idle screen on a device. For example, the idle screen may present images, icons, text, and objects that, when selected and/or activated, provide information on specific programs and objects associated with the idle state of the device. Direct access or shortcuts to apps. In this example, icon 204 of FIG. 2A representing a communication application opens user interface elements for contacts 222 and application 224 . This provides for the user to determine the set or application of user interface elements to be launched into for the device before unlocking the device from the deactivated state. The user selects which screen to go directly to after unlocking the device.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2A and 3 , a user may select or contact dimmed icons 202 and 204 in order to determine the status, usage or functionality of the underlying application without unlocking the device or opening the application. For example, in FIG. 2A, dimmed icon 202 represents a time or clock application. In dim mode, when the device is locked, it may not be possible to view any features of the app, such as the current time. However, features of the disclosed embodiments allow icon 202 to be touched to temporarily illuminate or otherwise highlight the icon, as shown by icon 302 in FIG. 3 . This state, which may be described as a passive active state, allows temporary activation of applications such as clocks. This is also known as the "semi-active" state. As shown in FIG. 3 , when this area is selected, the clock application icon 302 is illuminated and the current time is available and can be viewed, particularly against a dimmed and/or dimmed background 304 . In alternative embodiments, any suitable method for temporarily highlighting a selected icon may be implemented. The clock function is temporarily illuminated, but it does not become fully active. Icon 302 may remain illuminated for a predetermined period of time, such as 5 seconds. This allows quick activation of advanced user interface elements for passive information gathering while the device remains in idle and locked modes.

In one embodiment, it is possible to lock the device, or change the state of the device from active to inactive, through a process similar to that used to change the status from inactive to active. For example, while in the active state, a user may select icon 210 and move icon 210 to a locked area of the display. For exemplary purposes, this area is described as the edge area of the display. Once the device is in active mode, what was described as an "unlocked" area can now become a "locked" area. Once the icon is moved into the locked area, the device can change state.

In one embodiment, when the icon 210 is moved into the locked area, confirmation from the user may be required before the device changes state. In one embodiment, this may be a tap, long press or contact or other action on the icon 210 . For example, the user drags the icon 206 to the locked area. The user can tap icon 206, and then release. A tap on another application area (eg, area 202) can confirm the lock mode. In one embodiment, the user drags the icon 206 to the lock area, and once the icon 206 is in the area, the lock function becomes enabled on the device's key. Pressing this key will cause the device to lock and enter inactive mode. Alternatively, forming a pattern or image on the screen may cause the device to change state, as previously described.

Aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented on any device that includes a user interface for displaying and accessing information, such as the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the input device 104 includes a touch screen display 112 on which icons 202, 204, 206 and other content may be displayed. Inputs and commands from the user (such as touches to the screen) are received in the input module 104 and passed to the navigation module 122 for processing. The navigation module 122 may determine and set the state of the device. In one embodiment, output device 106 implemented in touch screen display 112 may receive data from user interface 102, applications 180, and storage device 182 for output to the user. Examples of such devices include wireless and wired devices, mobile communication devices, Internet tablets, and touch pads.

Both input device 104 and output device 106 are configured to receive data or signals in any format, configure the data or signals into a format compatible with the application or device 100, and output the configured data or signals. While display 114 is shown as part of output device 106, in other embodiments output device 106 may also include other components and devices that communicate or present information to a user, including, for example, audio devices and haptic devices.

User input device 104 may include controls that allow a user to interact with and enter information and commands to device 100 . For example, for the embodiments described herein, user interface 102 may comprise a touch screen display. The output device 106 may be configured to provide the content of the exemplary screenshot shown here, which is presented to the user via the functionality of the display 114 . In the case of a touch screen device, displays 112 and 114 may comprise the same display or portions of the same display. User input to the touch screen display is handled, for example, through touch screen input controls 112 of input device 104 . Input device 104 may also be configured to handle new content and communications to system 100 . Navigation module 122 may provide controls and menu selections, and process commands and requests. Application and content objects may be provided by the menu control system 124 . Process control system 132 may receive and interpret commands and other input, interface with application modules 180, storage devices 180, and provide content as needed. Thus, the user interface 102 of the embodiments described herein may include aspects of the input device 104 and the output device 106 .

An example of an apparatus upon which aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be practiced is illustrated with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B . A terminal or mobile communication device 400 may have a keypad 410 and a display 420 . Keypad 410 may include any suitable user input devices, such as multifunction/scroll keys 430 , soft keys 431 , 432 , call key 433 , end call key 434 , and alphanumeric keys 435 , for example. Display 420 may be any suitable display, such as, for example, a touch screen display or a graphical user interface. The display may be integrated into device 400 , or the display may be a peripheral display connected to device 400 . For example, a pointing device such as a stylus, pen, or simply a user's finger may be used with display 420 . In alternative embodiments, any suitable pointing device may be used. In other alternative embodiments, the display may be a conventional display. Device 400 may also include other suitable features, such as cameras, speakers, connection ports, or tactile feedback features, for example. The mobile communication device may have a processor 401 coupled to the display for processing user input and displaying information on the display 420 . Memory 402 may be coupled to processor 401 for storing any suitable information and/or applications associated with mobile communication device 402, such as phonebook entries, calendar entries, and the like.

In embodiments where the device 400 comprises a mobile communication device, the device may be adapted to communicate in a telecommunications system as shown in FIG. 6 . In such a system, various telecommunication services, such as cellular voice calls, www/ wap browsing, cellular video calling, data calling, fax transmission, music transmission, still image transmission, video transmission, electronic messaging and e-commerce. It should be noted that for different embodiments of the mobile terminal 600 and under different circumstances, some of the telecommunication services noted above may or may not be available. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited in this respect to any particular set of services.

Mobile terminals 600 , 606 are connectable to mobile telecommunications network 610 via radio frequency (RF) links 602 , 608 via base stations 604 , 609 . Mobile telecommunications network 610 may be compatible with any commercially available mobile telecommunications standard, such as GSM, UMTS, D-AMPS, CDMA2000, (W)CDMA, WLAN, FOMA, and TD-SCDMA.

Mobile telecommunications network 610 may be operatively connected to wide area network 620, which may be the Internet or a portion thereof. Internet server 622 has data storage 624 and is connected to wide area network 620 as is Internet client computer 626 . Server 622 may host a www/wap server capable of providing www/wap content to mobile terminal 600 .

A public switched telephone network (PSTN) 630 may be connected to the mobile telecommunications network 610 in a similar manner. Various telephone terminals (including landline telephones 632 ) can be connected to PSTN 630 .

The mobile terminal 600 is also capable of communicating locally with one or more local devices 603 or 650 via a local link 601 or 651 . The local link 601 or 651 may be any suitable type of link with limited range, such as Bluetooth, Universal Serial Bus (USB) link, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (WUSB) link, IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network ( WLAN) link, RS-232 serial link, etc. The local device 603 may be, for example, various sensors capable of communicating measurements over the local link 601 to the mobile terminal 600 . The above examples are not intended to be limiting, and any suitable type of link may be utilized. The local device 603 may be an antenna and a supporting device forming a WLAN implementing Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX, IEEE802.16), WiFi (IEEE802.11x) or other communication protocols. The WLAN can be connected to the Internet. Thus, the mobile terminal 600 may have multi-radio capability for wireless connections using the mobile communication network 610, WLAN, or both. Communications with the mobile telecommunications network 610 may also be accomplished using WiFi, WiMax, or any other suitable protocol, and such communications may utilize unlicensed portions of the radio spectrum (eg Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)). In one embodiment, the navigation module 122 of FIG. 1 includes a communication module configured to interact with the system described with respect to FIG. 6 .

In one embodiment, the system 100 of FIG. 1 may be a PDA-type device 440 such as that shown in FIG. 4B. The PDA 440 may have a keypad 441 , a touch screen display 442 , and a pointing device 443 for use on the touch screen display 442 . In another alternative embodiment, the device may be a personal communicator, tablet computer, laptop or desktop computer, television or television set-top box, or a computer that can contain a display 442 and supporting electronics such as a processor and memory. any other appropriate equipment. Exemplary embodiments herein will be described with reference to a mobile communication device 400 for exemplary purposes only, and it should be understood that the embodiments are equally applicable to any mobile communication device incorporating a display, processor, memory, and supporting software or hardware proper equipment.

The user interface 102 of FIG. 1 may also include a menu system 124 in the navigation module 122 . Navigation module 122 provides control over certain states, handling and usage of device 100 . Menu system 124 may provide selection of different tools and application options related to applications or programs running on device 100 . In embodiments disclosed herein, the navigation module 122 receives certain inputs, such as signals, transmissions, instructions or commands related to the functionality of the device 100 . Depending on these inputs, the navigation module interprets the commands and directs the processing controls 132 to execute the commands accordingly.

Activating a control generally includes any suitable means of selecting or activating a function associated with the device, including touching, pressing, or moving an input device. In one embodiment, where the input device 104 includes a control 110 (which in one embodiment may include a device with a keypad), pressing a key may activate a function. Optionally, where controls 110 of input device 104 also include a multifunction rocker-type switch, the switch may be used to select menu items and/or to select or activate functions. When the input device 104 includes controls 112 (which in one embodiment may include a touch screen pad), user contact with the touch screen provides the necessary input. Voice commands and other touch-sensitive input devices may also be used.

Although the above embodiments are described as being implemented on or by a mobile communication device, it will be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced on any suitable device. For example, the device 100 of FIG. 1 may generally comprise any suitable electronic device such as, for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile terminal, a mobile communication terminal in the form of a cellular/mobile telephone, or a multimedia device or computer. In alternative embodiments, device 100 of FIG. 1 may be a personal communicator, mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop or desktop computer, television or television set-top box, DVD or high-definition player, or be capable of containing, for example, The display 114 shown in FIG. 1 and any other suitable devices supporting the electronics, such as the processor 401 and memory 402 of FIG. 4 . For descriptive purposes, the embodiments described herein will refer to a mobile communication device for exemplary purposes only, and it should be understood that the embodiments are equally applicable to mobile communication devices incorporating a display, processor, memory and supporting software or any suitable device for hardware.

Referring to FIG. 1 , display 114 of device 100 may comprise any suitable display, such as those previously mentioned, a touch screen display, or a graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the display 114 may be integrated into the device 100 . In alternative embodiments, the display may be a peripheral display connected or coupled to device 100 . A pointing device, such as a stylus, pen, or for simplicity a user's finger, for example, may be used with the display 114 . In alternative embodiments, any suitable pointing device may be used. In other alternative embodiments, the display may be any suitable display, such as, for example, a flat panel display 114 typically consisting of an LCD with optional backlighting, such as a TFT matrix capable of displaying color images. A touch screen can be used instead of a conventional LCD display.

Device 100 may also include other suitable features, such as, for example, cameras, speakers, connection ports, or tactile feedback features.

The disclosed embodiments may also include software and computer programs that incorporate the above-described process steps and instructions for execution in different computers. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary apparatus 500 that incorporates features that may be used to practice aspects of the invention. Apparatus 500 may include computer readable program code means for implementing and executing the process steps described herein. As shown, computer system 502 may be linked to another computer system 504 such that computers 502 and 504 can send information to each other, and receive information from each other. In one embodiment, computer system 502 may include a server computer adapted to communicate with network 506 . Computer systems 502 and 504 can be linked together in any conventional manner including, for example, modem, wireless, hardwired or fiber optic links. In general, information can be made available to both computer systems 502 and 504 using a communication protocol typically sent over a communication channel or through a dial-up connection over an ISDN line. Computers 502 and 504 are generally adapted to utilize a program storage device, such as a memory, embodying machine-readable program source code (which is adapted to cause computers 502 and 504 to implement the method steps disclosed herein). Program storage devices incorporating aspects of the present invention can be designed, fabricated and used as components of machines utilizing optical, magnetic properties and/or electronics to implement the processes and methods disclosed herein. In alternative embodiments, the program storage devices may include magnetic media, such as a magnetic disk or a computer hard drive, which are readable and executable by a computer. In yet another alternative, the program storage devices may include optical disks, read only memory ("ROM") floppy disks, and semiconductor materials and chips.

Computer systems 502 and 504 may also include microprocessors for executing stored programs. Computer 502 may include data storage devices 508 on its program storage devices for storing information and data. Computer programs or software incorporating procedures and method steps incorporating aspects of the present invention may be stored in one or more computers 502 and 504 on otherwise conventional program storage devices. In one embodiment, computers 502 and 804 may include a user interface 510, and a display interface 512 from which aspects of the present invention may be accessed. User interface 510 and display interface 512 may be adapted to allow input of queries and commands to the system, and to present the results of the commands and queries.

The disclosed embodiments generally provide to a user selecting a set or application of user interface elements that the device will turn on from idle and locked modes. The small icon can be dragged towards the edge of the device's display to initiate the unlocking process. As the icon is moved or dragged, the icon may expand to reveal one or more active areas below the icon or below the icon's travel path. The user can move the icon about the screen to find a desired application or activity area for the device to launch into or enter. When the user moves the icon substantially at or near the edge of the device's display, the device may transition from idle/locked mode to active/unlocked mode. Thus, the disclosed embodiments provide an intuitive and physical method for unlocking a touchscreen device.

It should be understood that the above description is only an illustration of the embodiments. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. a kind of equipment, the equipment includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured as：

So that the first object and the second object are shown on short range screen when equipment is in locking mode, the first object generation Table exists in the apparatus or available first application, and second object represents on said device and exists or can use Second application；

Applied by the function of performing first application without unlocking the equipment and described first need not be opened completely, and The reception inputted to user's short range that the short range screen is approached but do not contacted at first object responds；And

Applied by the function of performing second application without unlocking the equipment and described second need not be opened completely, and The reception inputted to user's short range that the short range screen is approached but do not contacted at second object responds.

2. equipment according to claim 1, wherein user's short range input is provided with instruction pen.

3. equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein first object and second object are icons.

4. equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the equipment also includes camera.

5. equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in response to when the equipment is in locking mode described first The reception of user's short range input, first object are temporarily illuminated at object.

6. equipment according to claim 1 or 2, the equipment also includes the short range screen.

7. a kind of method, this method include：

So that the first object and the second object are shown on short range screen when equipment is in locking mode, the first object generation Table exists in the apparatus or available first application, and second object represents on said device and exists or can use Second application；

Applied by the function of performing first application without unlocking the equipment and described first need not be opened completely, and The reception inputted to user's short range that the short range screen is approached but do not contacted at first object responds；And

Applied by the function of performing second application without unlocking the equipment and described second need not be opened completely, and The reception inputted to user's short range that the short range screen is approached but do not contacted at second object responds.

8. according to the method for claim 7, wherein user's short range input is provided with instruction pen.

9. the method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein first object and second object are icons.

10. the method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein equipment include the short range screen and also include camera.

11. the method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein in response to when the equipment is in locking mode described The reception of user's short range input, first object are temporarily illuminated at one object.

12. a kind of equipment, the equipment includes：

It is described for the device for show the first object and the second object on short range screen when equipment is in locking mode First object represents presence in the apparatus or available first application, and second object represents on said device In the presence of or it is available second application；

For being applied by need not simultaneously open described first completely without the unblock equipment when equipment is in locking mode, And the device that user's short range input to the short range screen is approached but do not contacted at first object is responded；And

Applied by the function of performing second application without unlocking the equipment and described second need not be opened completely, and The device that the reception inputted to user's short range that the short range screen is approached but do not contacted at second object is responded.

13. equipment according to claim 12, wherein user's short range input is provided with instruction pen.

14. the equipment according to claim 12 or 13, wherein first object and second object are icons.

15. the equipment according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the equipment also includes camera.

16. the equipment according to claim 12 or 13, wherein in response to when the equipment is in locking mode described The reception of user's short range input, first object are temporarily illuminated at first object.

17. the equipment according to claim 12 or 13, the equipment also includes the short range screen.